The Gauhati High Court has approved the creation of an exclusive fast-track sessions court to conduct day-to-day hearings in the Zubeen Garg death case, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on March 19. Baksa district judge Sharmila Bhuyan has been nominated to preside over the court, a move Sarma called “a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of justice in the Zubeen Garg murder case.”
In a post on X, the Chief Minister quoted the formal nomination: “The Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court has been pleased to nominate Smt. Sharmila Bhuyan, presently serving as District Judge, Baksa, to preside over an exclusive fast-track sessions court for conducting day-to-day trial proceedings in this matter.” The appointment follows a request from the state government for expedited judicial handling.
The decision follows the Assam cabinet’s recommendation last month to approach the High Court for constituting a fast-track court, citing the need for a speedy trial amid intense public interest. A fast-track sessions court is intended to hold regular, consecutive hearings to shorten the time taken for trial proceedings.
Zubeen Garg, 52, died on September 19 last year while swimming in the sea in Singapore, where he had travelled to attend the fourth North East India Festival. His death prompted a detailed probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The SIT subsequently filed a charge sheet before a local court in Assam naming seven accused in connection with the case.
Sarma said the fast-track court “will greatly expedite the judicial process and it reinforces our commitment to ensuring timely justice,” and he expressed gratitude to Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar for approving the state’s request. With Judge Sharmila Bhuyan nominated to oversee day-to-day trial proceedings, authorities say the move aims to accelerate the trial timetable and reduce delays in a case that has drawn widespread public attention.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/fast-track-court-to-hear-zubeen-garg-death-case-trial-to-proceed-daily-himanta-1362086-2026-03-19?utm_source=rssfeed
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-03-19 13:46:00
